Pilaster with Tendrils and Birds
5 - 15. Marble.Room 072
In the relief there is a remarkable combination of different types of plants, acanthus tendrils which end in rose flowers and tendrils with lancet-shaped leaves and fruits, emphasize the truly fantastic wealth of nature. It is in keeping with the Ara Pacis, the altar of peace in Rome (10 B. C.), with its references to the abundance, happiness and peace of Augustus’ Golden Age. Pilasters of this type were used to decorate temples and altars, arches, theatres, baths, monumental fountains and tomb facades.